LL Cool J

LL Cool J Brief Biography

James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968), better known as LL Cool J (short for Ladies Love CoolJames), is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor. He is known for romantic ballads such as "I Need Love", "Around the Way Girl", and "Hey Lover", as well as pioneering hip-hop such as "I Can't Live Without My Radio", "I'm Bad", "The Boomin' System", and "Mama Said Knock You Out". He has released thirteen studio albums and two greatest hits compilations, including 2008's Exit 13, the last for his record deal with Def Jam Recordings. His latest album, Authentic, was released on April 30, 2013. He has also appeared in numerous films, including Halloween H20: 20 Years Later, and currently stars as NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna on the CBS crime drama television series NCIS: Los Angeles.